PARIS (AP) When Roger Federer played his first match at Roland Garros the domestic currency was francs rather than euros, Steffi Graf was about to claim a sixth French Open title and few had heard of the young Swiss player who would go on to become a tennis great.

It was 20 years ago when the teenage Federer made his Paris debut and lost in four sets to the experienced Australian Pat Rafter.

"I was really happy to play against Rafter, who was one of the most popular players on the tour," Federer recalled on Friday. "It was great being able to play him on the Suzanne Lenglen Court rather than on Court 23.